Dublin City Council approves alcohol sales for North Market Wine Festival and Irish Festival

The Dublin City Council meeting on May 5, 2025, highlighted significant approvals for upcoming community events, particularly focusing on alcohol sales at the North Market Wine Festival and the Dublin Irish Festival.

Council members unanimously approved a request to allow alcohol sales on the street during the North Market Wine Festival, which is set to take place in the fall. This marks the third year of the festival, and the council previously supported it with a $10,000 hotel-motel tax grant. The motion received strong backing, with all council members voting in favor.

Next on the agenda was the Dublin Irish Festival, scheduled for the first weekend of August. The council approved a waiver for alcohol sales on public property during the festival and a related 5K event. Notably, the after-party for the 5K will be relocated to create a more interactive street party atmosphere, with plans to set up beer sales in a nearby alley to accommodate parking for attendees.

In addition to these events, the council discussed the expansion of the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) for the Summer Fun Series. This year, the series will include music on Wednesday nights, yoga on Tuesdays, and active exercise sessions on Thursdays, alongside popular Saturday movie nights. The expansion aims to activate previously unutilized areas, ensuring that attendees can enjoy the events without bringing their own alcohol.

These approvals reflect the council's commitment to enhancing community engagement and providing enjoyable experiences for residents and visitors alike.